What Causes Teeth To Shift?
The American Association of Orthodontists says that approximately 45% of people will need
braces throughout their lifetime- almost half of the population! Most people are aware of why
they may require orthodontic treatment, due to issues like crowded, crooked, or misaligned
teeth. However, not many people understand the ‘how’- the underlying causes and contributing
factors that lead to these dental issues. The following factors can influence tooth development
and alignment:
Genetics
Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for crooked teeth is something we cannot
predict or prevent: genetics. Several hereditary traits affect the way your adult teeth grow in, and
all can contribute to misalignment. For example, if a small jaw runs in your family, your mouth
will likely become overcrowded when your teeth grow in. The size of your teeth affects
alignment too- big teeth can overlap and push into each other, while small teeth can lead to
gaps in the smile. Wisdom teeth can also lead to overcrowding, which is why dentists and
orthodontists recommend you have them removed.
Poor Myofunctional Habits
Myofunctional habits are repetitive behavioral habits that affect the functions of the mouth or
face, and include things like thumb sucking, excessive pacifier use, tongue thrusting, mouth
breathing, and grinding your teeth. The good news is that all of these causes are preventable,
and there are several products you can use to help with these issues, such as mouth tape for
mouth breathing or a mouth guard to prevent grinding your teeth.
Not Wearing Your Retainer
While it’s true that most problems with misaligned teeth develop during your childhood or teen
years, it is still very possible that your teeth can shift even after initial orthodontic treatment.
Aging, gum recession and disease, and tooth wear are all common causes of misaligned teeth
in adulthood. However, wearing your retainer is a sure-fire way to ensure your teeth remain in
great condition after orthodontic treatment. Retainers work to keep your teeth in their proper
form and prevent shifting, so wear that retainer!
As you now know, both preventable and inevitable factors influence the way your teeth are
aligned, and can occur at any stage of life. The good news is that no matter the cause, True
Smile Orthodontics’ team of experts can help ensure your smile is exactly how you want it.
Schedule a free consultation with us today!
